Pest-management apparatuses with separator to improve function of rodent sensor

ABSTRACT

Pest-management apparatuses (e.g., stations), such as, for example, that can configured to permit a rodent to enter and retrieve a bait and/or become trapped (e.g., adhesive or a snap-trap).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a national phase application under 35 U.S.C.§ 371 of International Application No. PCT/US2015/061923, which claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/083,117, filed Nov.21, 2014, the entire contents of which applications are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to pest (e.g., rodent)management and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, topest-management apparatuses and methods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Examples of pest-management apparatuses are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,026,068; 4,028,829; 4,660,320; 5,953,854; 6,082,042; 6,343,434; andU.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2014/0071276.

SUMMARY

This disclosure includes embodiments of pest-management apparatuses(e.g., stations or bait stations) and methods of use.

Some embodiments of the present pest-management apparatuses comprise: abase; a lid configured to be coupled to the base such that the base andthe lid cooperate to define a chamber having at least one entranceopening sized to permit a rodent to enter the apparatus; one or moreseparators configured such that if the lid and base are coupled togetherto define the chamber, the one or more separators prevent a rodent fromaccessing at least a portion of the chamber except by climbing over theone or more separators; and an electrically-conductive member at orabove at least a portion of (e.g., an upper edge of) the one or moreseparators, the metallic member configured to be coupled to a capacitivesensor to detect a rodent climbing over the one or more separators. Insome embodiments, the one or more separators are configured such that ifthe lid and base are coupled together to define the chamber, the one ormore separators divide the chamber into a first portion and a secondportion;

Some embodiments of the present pest-management apparatuses comprise: alid configured to be coupled to a base such that the base and the lidcooperate to define a chamber having at least one entrance opening sizedto permit a rodent to enter the apparatus; and anelectrically-conductive member at or above at least a portion of (e.g.,an upper edge of) the one or more separators, the metallic memberconfigured to be coupled to a capacitive sensor to detect a rodentclimbing over the one or more separators; where theelectrically-conductive member is configured such that when the lid andthe base are coupled together to define the chamber, the metallic memberis spaced above a floor of the chamber to permit insects to crawl underthe metallic member and thereby minimize the likelihood of insects beingdetected by the sensor. Some embodiments further comprise: one or moreseparators configured such that if the lid and base are coupled togetherto define the chamber, the one or more separators prevent a rodent fromaccessing at least a portion of the chamber except by climbing over theone or more separators. In some embodiments, the one or more separatorsare coupled in fixed relation to the lid. In some embodiments, the oneor more separators are unitary with the lid.

Some embodiments of the present pest-management apparatuses comprise: abase; a lid configured to be coupled to the base such that the base andthe lid cooperate to define a chamber having at least one entranceopening sized to permit a rodent to enter the apparatus; one or moreseparators configured such that if the lid and base are coupled togetherto define the chamber, the one or more separators divide the chamberinto a rodent capture portion and an entry portion; a capacitive sensorconfigured to detect a rodent climbing over the one or more separators;and an electrically-conductive member disposed at or above at least aportion of (e.g., an upper edge of) the one or more separators, themetallic member coupled to the capacitive sensor to detect a rodentclimbing over the one or more separators; where the one or moreseparators are configured to prevent a rodent from traversing from theentry portion to the rodent capture portion except by climbing over theone or more separators.

Some embodiments of the present pest-management apparatuses comprise: abase; and a lid configured to be coupled to the base such that the baseand the lid cooperate to define a chamber having at least one entranceopening sized to permit a rodent to enter the apparatus; where at leastone of the base and the lid comprises a scented plastic. Someembodiments further comprise: one or more separators configured suchthat if the lid and base are coupled together to define the chamber, theone or more separators divide the chamber into a rodent capture portionand an entry portion; where the one or more separators are configured toprevent a rodent from traversing from the entry portion to the rodentcapture portion except by climbing over the one or more separators. Insome embodiments, the one or more separators comprise a scented plastic.

Some of the present pest-management apparatuses comprise: a base; a lidconfigured to be coupled to the base such that the base and the lidcooperate to define a chamber having at least one entrance opening sizedto permit a rodent to enter the apparatus; and one or more separatorsconfigured such that if the lid and base are coupled together to definethe chamber, the one or more separators divide the chamber into a rodentcapture portion and an entry portion; where the one or more separatorsare configured to prevent a rodent from traversing from the entryportion to the rodent capture portion except by climbing over the one ormore separators. In some embodiments, the one or more separators is/areunitary with the base. In other embodiments, the one or more separatorsis/are unitary with the lid.

In some embodiments, a lower boundary of the one or more separatorscontacts a floor of the base. In some embodiments, a lower boundary ofthe one or more separators is spaced from a floor of the base. In someembodiments, an upper boundary of the one or more separators is spacedfrom the lid by a distance of greater than 0.25 inches. In someembodiments, an upper boundary of the one or more separators is spacedfrom a floor of the base by 1.5 inches or less.

In some embodiments, the one or more separators comprise an elongatedmember having a planar configuration. In some embodiments, the one ormore separators comprise two or more elongated members. In someembodiments, the elongated members each comprises a wire. In someembodiments, the base defines two grooves configured to receive portionsof the one or more separators.

In some embodiments, at least one of the base and lid comprises ascented plastic.

In some embodiments, the rodent capture portion and the entry portionare in fluid communication. In some embodiments, each of the one or moreseparators is coupled to at least one of the lid and the base. In someembodiments, the rodent capture portion is configured to resist arodent's exit from the apparatus. In some embodiments, the apparatusfurther comprises an adhesive disposed in the rodent capture portion. Insome embodiments, the adhesive comprises an adhesive mat. In someembodiments, the adhesive mat is coupled to the base. In someembodiments, the adhesive mat is releasably coupled to the base. In someembodiments, the one or more separators are substantially perpendicularto the base.

In some embodiments, In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises twoentrance openings. In some embodiments, the two entrance openings aredisposed on substantially opposite sides of the apparatus. In someembodiments, the two entrance openings are configured such that an axisextends through both openings. In some embodiments, the axis isperpendicular to both openings. In some embodiments, the two entranceopenings are in fluid communication with the entry portion of thechamber.

In some embodiments, at least one of the base and the lid comprises adivider configured to prevent a rodent from entering the apparatusthrough one of the two openings and exiting the apparatus through theother of the two openings without first passing through the rodentcapture portion of the chamber. In some embodiments, the divider isfurther configured to prevent a rodent outside the apparatus from seeingone of the two openings through the other of the two openings. In someembodiments, at least one of the base and the lid comprises a sidewall,and the apparatus is configured such that if the lid is coupled to thebase in a closed configuration, the divider extends from the sidewall.In some embodiments, the base comprises the sidewall. In someembodiments, the divider is unitary with the sidewall. In someembodiments, the divider is disposed substantially midway between thetwo entrance openings. In some embodiments, the divider is configured todirect rodents toward the rodent capture portion. In some embodiments,the divider has a first end and a second end disposed closer to therodent capture portion than the first end. In some embodiments, thesecond end of the divider is a greater distance from the center of oneof the two openings than at least a portion of the first end of thedivider. In some embodiments, a distance between the second end of thedivider and the center of the one of the two openings is at least 30%greater than the distance between the second end of the divider and thecenter of the one of the two openings. In some embodiments, the dividerincludes a surface extending from the second end to the first end.

In some embodiments, the chamber has at least one secondary openingsized differently than the entrance opening. In some embodiments, the atleast one secondary opening is shaped differently than the at least oneentrance opening. In some embodiments, the at least one secondaryopening is smaller than the at least one entrance opening. In someembodiments, the at least one secondary opening includes a plurality ofsecondary openings that are each smaller than the at least one entranceopening.

In some embodiments, at least one of the base and the lid comprises asidewall at least partially defining an external perimeter of theapparatus, the sidewall configured to discourage a rodent from climbingonto the lid of the apparatus. In some embodiments, the base comprisesthe sidewall. In some embodiments, the sidewall is configured to directa rodent toward the at least one entrance opening. In some embodiments,the sidewall has a height, and an upper portion of the sidewall disposedoutwardly of a lower portion of the sidewall by a distance of at least20 percent of the height. In some embodiments, the sidewall includes asurface extending from the lower portion to the upper portion. In someembodiments, the surface is substantially straight between the lowerportion and the upper portion. In some embodiments, the surface includesa concave-shaped first portion and a substantially straight secondportion.

In some embodiments, at least one of the base and the lid comprises atleast one protrusion extending outwardly relative to the chamber, the atleast one protrusion configured to discourage a rodent from traveling inat least one non-vertical direction away from the at least one entranceopening.

The term “coupled” is defined as connected, although not necessarilydirectly, and not necessarily mechanically; two items that are “coupled”may be unitary with each other. The terms “a” and “an” are defined asone or more unless this disclosure explicitly requires otherwise. Theterm “substantially” is defined as largely but not necessarily whollywhat is specified (and includes what is specified; e.g., substantially90 degrees includes 90 degrees and substantially parallel includesparallel), as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Inany disclosed embodiment, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,”and “about” may be substituted with “within [a percentage] of” what isspecified, where the percentage includes 0.1, 1, 5, and 10 percent.

Further, a device or system that is configured in a certain way isconfigured in at least that way, but it can also be configured in otherways than those specifically described.

The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and“comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and“having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and“including”), and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains”and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, anapparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains” one or moreelements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited topossessing only those elements. Likewise, a method that “comprises,”“has,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more steps possesses those oneor more steps, but is not limited to possessing only those one or moresteps.

Any embodiment of any of the apparatuses, systems, and methods canconsist of or consist essentially of—rather thancomprise/include/contain/have—any of the described steps, elements,and/or features. Thus, in any of the claims, the term “consisting of” or“consisting essentially of” can be substituted for any of the open-endedlinking verbs recited above, in order to change the scope of a givenclaim from what it would otherwise be using the open-ended linking verb.

The feature or features of one embodiment may be applied to otherembodiments, even though not described or illustrated, unless expresslyprohibited by this disclosure or the nature of the embodiments.

Details associated with the embodiments described above and others aredescribed below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings illustrate by way of example and not limitation.For the sake of brevity and clarity, every feature of a given structureis not always labeled in every figure in which that structure appears.Identical reference numbers do not necessarily indicate an identicalstructure. Rather, the same reference number may be used to indicate asimilar feature or a feature with similar functionality, as maynon-identical reference numbers. The embodiments of the presentpest-management apparatuses and their components shown in the figuresare drawn to scale for at least the depicted embodiment.

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict perspective and top views, respectively, of a baseof a first embodiment of the present pest-management apparatuses.

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict lower and upper perspective views, respectively,of a lid the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 depicts an upper perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 withthe lid in a closed configuration.

FIG. 5 depicts a front orthogonal view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 withthe lid in a closed configuration.

FIG. 6 depicts a side orthogonal view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 withthe lid in an open configuration.

FIG. 7 depicts a front perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 depicts a bottom orthogonal view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 withthe lid in an open configuration.

FIG. 9 depicts a lower perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 withthe lid in an open configuration.

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of a base of a second embodiment ofthe present pest-management apparatuses.

FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of a third embodiment of the presentpest-management apparatuses.

FIG. 12 depicts a cutaway perspective view of a base of the thirdembodiment.

FIG. 13 depicts a cutaway perspective view of a lid of the thirdembodiment.

FIG. 14 depicts a cutaway side view of the lid of the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 depicts a cutaway cross-sectional view of the third embodimenttaken along the line 15-15 in FIG. 11.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1-9, showntherein and designated by the reference numeral 10 is one embodiment ofthe present pest-management apparatuses. In the embodiment shown,apparatus 10 comprises a base 14 and a lid 18 configured to be coupledto (e.g., is shown in FIGS. 4-9 coupled to) base 14 such that the baseand the lid cooperate to define (e.g., when the lid and base are coupledtogether in a closed configuration, as is shown in FIG. 4) a chamber 22having at least one entrance opening 26 sized to permit a rodent toenter apparatus 10 (e.g., chamber 22) through opening 26. In someembodiments, base 14 and lid 18 may cooperate to define a chamber havinga plurality of (e.g., more than one) entrance openings. For example, inthe embodiment shown, base 14 and lid 18 cooperate to define a chamber22 having a second entrance opening 28. In the embodiment shown, base 14and lid 18 cooperate to define a chamber 22 having entrance openings 26and 28 when base 14 and lid 18 are coupled together in a closedconfiguration (FIG. 4). In the depicted embodiment, entrance openings 26and 28 are formed only in base 14. Accordingly, one or both of entranceopenings 26 and 28 may each be entirely defined by only one of the lidand the base (e.g., the entire perimeter of the respective opening maybe defined by only one of the lid and the base). However, in otherembodiments, one or both of entrance openings 26 and 28 may each becooperatively defined by the base and the lid (e.g., when the lid is ina closed configuration relative to the base).

In some embodiments, at least one of base 14 and lid 18 (e.g., base 14,in the embodiment shown) comprises a sidewall 30 at least partiallydefining an external perimeter of apparatus 10, and configured todiscourage a rodent (e.g., at or near sidewall 30) from climbing ontolid 18. More particularly, in some embodiments, at least one of base 14and lid 18 (e.g., base 14, in the embodiment shown) comprises a sidewall30 at least partially defining an external perimeter of apparatus 10,and configured with at least a curved portion (e.g., first portion 54)to discourage a rodent (e.g., at or near sidewall 30) from climbing ontolid 18. In the embodiment shown, at least portions of sidewall 30 canalso be described as being configured to direct a rodent toward arespective entrance opening 26 or 28. In the embodiment shown, sidewall30 has a height 34, and an upper portion 38 of sidewall 30 is disposedoutwardly (e.g., relative to chamber 22) of a lower portion 42 of thesidewall by a distance 46 (see FIG. 5) of at least 20 percent (e.g., 25,30, 35, 40, 45, or more percent) of height 34. In the embodiment shown,sidewall 30 includes a surface 50 extending from lower portion 42 toupper portion 38. In the embodiment shown, surface 50 includes a curved(e.g., a concave or substantially arcuate) first portion 54, asubstantially straight second portion 58, and a curved (e.g., a convexor substantially arcuate) third portion 62. In other embodiments,surface 50 can have any suitable shape (e.g., can be substantiallystraight between the lower portion and the upper portion, curved (e.g.,concave or convex, including substantially arcuate) between the lowerportion and the upper portion, and/or the like).

In the embodiment shown, base 14 can be described as having a left side63, a right side 64, a front 65, and a back 66. In the embodiment shown,the portions of sidewall 30 along left side 63, right side 64, and front65 all have substantially similar shapes or profiles, as described aboveand depicted, for example, in FIG. 5. In the embodiment shown, back 66has a profile or shape that is different than the shape or profile ofleft side 63, right side 64, and front 65. In the embodiment shown, back66 is configured so that it may be disposed adjacent to a substantiallyvertical surface (e.g., a wall) exterior to apparatus 10 such that thespace between back 66 and the substantially vertical surface isminimized (e.g., such that a portion, up to and including all, of back66 is in contact with the surface). In such embodiments, back 66 may bedescribed as vertically-oriented, or, more specifically, orientedvertically relative to floor 94 of base 14. In other embodiments, back66 may have a shape or profile that is substantially similar to that ofsides 63, 64 and/or front 65 (e.g., that is configured to discourage arodent from climbing onto lid 18, and/or to direct a rodent towardentrance opening 26 and/or entrance opening 28, and/or the like).

In some embodiments, lid 18 has a first end or edge 68 and a second endor edge 70, and one of end 68 and end 70 is coupled (e.g., pivotally,detachably, etc.) to base 14. For example, in the embodiment shown, edge70 is coupled to base 14 along back 66. In other embodiments, lid 18 maybe configured to be coupled to base 14 along any one or more of sides63, 64 or front 65. In some embodiments, lid 18 may be configured to becoupled to two or more of sides 63 and 64, front 65, and/or back 66 ofbase. In the embodiment shown, lid 18 is unitary with base 14 (e.g.,base 14 and lid 18 comprise a single piece of material in which lid 18is pivotally coupled to base 14 via living hinge 72). In the embodimentshown, end 68 of lid 14 is configured to be detachably coupled to base14 by a lip 74 that is configured to extend around and contact aperipheral edge 76 of base 14 (e.g., when lid 18 is in a closedconfiguration relative to base 14) to resist separation of the lid fromthe base (e.g., to resist opening of the lid relative to the base). Inother embodiments, lid 18 is configured to be removably coupled to base14 by at least one latch, lock, and/or the like.

In the embodiment shown, lid 18 comprises at least one transparentviewing window 78 (e.g., one, as shown) through which a user can view atleast a portion of chamber 22. In some embodiments, viewing window 78 isat least partially detachable (e.g., via a latch) from lid 18. In someembodiments, viewing window 78 may be unitary with lid 18, such as wherethe material for lid 18 and window 78 are both transparent. In theembodiment shown, lid 18 comprises a substantially planar portion 82 anda reinforcing portion 86. In the embodiment shown, reinforcing portion86 comprises one or more ribs 90. In some embodiments, reinforcingportion 86 may comprise any number of reinforcing structures (e.g.,ribs, rods, a mesh, etc.) and/or materials (e.g., plastic, steel,aluminum, etc.) configured to reinforce lid 18. In the embodiment shown,reinforcing portion 86 is interior to apparatus 10 when lid 18 iscoupled to base 14 in a closed configuration (e.g., FIG. 4). In otherembodiments, reinforcing portion 86 may be exterior (e.g., extendingoutwardly from substantially planar portion 82) to apparatus 10 (e.g.,relative to chamber 22) when lid 18 is coupled to base 14 in a closedconfiguration.

In the embodiment shown, lid 18 comprises a latch 76 a configured toresist separation of lid 18 and base 14 when lid 18 is in a closedconfiguration relative to base 14. For example, in the embodiment shown,latch 76 a is configured to engage a corresponding lip or shelf 77 inbase 14. In some embodiments, at least one of base 14 and lid 18comprises a release opening configured to permit a user to release lid18 relative to base 14 to permit the apparatus to transition from aclosed configuration to an open configuration. For example, in theembodiment shown, base 14 comprises release opening 76 b that permits auser's finger or other object to extend through release opening todepress latch 76 a relative to shelf 77. For example, The at least oneof base 14 and lid 18 that comprises the release opening(s) can beconfigured such that the edge(s) defining the release opening areconfigured to prevent a user from injury. (e.g., if a user extends afinger through the release opening), such as, for example, via bevelededges, edges comprising a radius, and similarly smoothed edges. Forexample, in the embodiment shown, the edges of base 14 that definerelease opening 76 b are rounded or radiused to eliminate or excludesharp edges that could otherwise injure or irritate the skin of a userthat extends a finger through release opening to release latch 76 a.

In some embodiments, base 14 comprises a floor 94 configured to preventmovement (e.g., with non-slip material, screws, etc.) of apparatus 10relative to a surface (e.g., a substantially horizontal surface) onwhich apparatus 10 is disposed or supported. For example, in someembodiments, a lower or bottom surface of floor may be textured and/ormay include a rubber or adhesive surface. In the embodiment shown, floor94 is unitary with sidewall 30. In other embodiments, floor 94 may bedetachably coupled (e.g., via latches) to sidewall 30, or floor 94 maybe omitted.

In some embodiments, apparatus 10 comprises one or more separators(e.g., on separators 96, as shown) configured such that if lid 18 andbase 14 are coupled together to define chamber 22 (e.g., in a closedconfiguration), the one or more separators 96 prevent a rodent fromaccessing at least a portion of the chamber except by climbing over theone or more separators. For example, in the embodiment shown, theseparator(s) divide chamber 22 into a first portion 98 (e.g., a rodentcapture portion 98, as shown) and a second portion 100 (e.g., an entryportion 100, as shown) and are configured to prevent a rodent fromtraversing from the entry portion to the rodent capture portion exceptby climbing over the one or more separators. In the embodiment shown,rodent capture portion 98 and entry portion 100 are in fluidcommunication. In the embodiment shown, rodent capture portion 98 ofchamber 22 is configured to resist a rodent's exit from apparatus 10.For example, in some embodiments, an adhesive (e.g., an adhesive mat) isdisposed in rodent capture portion 98 of chamber 22 (e.g., coupled tofloor 94).

In other embodiments, the one or more separators can be disposed nearerand/or at an entrance 26 (e.g., at both entrances 26) such that a rodentis prevented from entering the chamber except by climbing over the oneor more separators.

In the embodiment shown, separator 96 extends betweenvertically-oriented grooves 102 defined in the interior of base 14 suchthat separator 96 can be removed and/or re-inserted (e.g., forreplacement) by sliding separator 96 vertically. In other embodiments,separator 96 can be unitary with base 14, or separator can be unitarywith lid 18 (e.g., such that the separator extends downward from thelid, extends into chamber 22 when lid 18 is closed relative to base 14,and is removed from chamber 22 when lid 18 is opened relative to base14).

As noted, separator 96 is configured to prevent a rodent from traversingfrom entry portion 100 to rodent capture portion 98 except by climbingover the separator. More particularly, in this embodiment, separator 96comprises an elongated member having a planar configuration with a loweredge 96 a that is spaced from floor 94 by a distance that is smallenough to prevent a rodent from passing under separator. For example, inthe embodiment shown, lower edge 96 a of the separator is spaced fromfloor 94 by a distance of between 0.25 inches and 0.35 inches. In otherembodiments, lower edge 96 a of the separator can contact floor 94(e.g., with discrete openings at or above the lower boundary to permitinsects to crawl under or through the separator). In other embodiments,lower edge 96 a can be separated by any distance of less than 0.5 inches(e.g., less than any one of, or between any two of: 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3,0.4, and/or 0.5 inches). In the embodiment shown, an upper edge 96 b ofthe separator is disposed at a distance of between 1 and 1.25 inchesfrom floor 94. In other embodiments, upper edge 96 b can be disposed atany height or distance from the interior floor of the bait station(e.g., between 0.75 and 1.5 inches for mice, or a greater distance forrats) that requires (while still leaving spaced between separator 96 andlid 18 for) a rodent of expected size to have to climb over separator 96to traverse from entry portion 100 to rodent capture portion 98. In someembodiments, upper boundary 96 b of the separator is spaced from the lid(when lid 18 is in a closed configuration relative to base 14) by adistance of greater than 0.25 inches (e.g., greater than any one of, orbetween any two of: 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and/or 1 inch). For example, in theembodiment shown, when lid 18 is closed relative to base (FIGS. 4-5),upper boundary 96 b is spaced from a bottom surface of the lid by adistance of between 0.8 and 0.9 inches. In other embodiments, thedistance between lid 18 and upper boundary 96 b can be any suitabledistance that permits a targeted rodent species (e.g., a mouse or rat)to climb over the separator (e.g., is such that it is easier for therodent to climb over the separator than to crawl under the separator).

In this embodiment, rodent capture portion 98 can be covered with anadhesive and forcing a rodent to climb over separator 96 increases thelikelihood of the rodent making sufficient contact with the adhesive tobe captured. For example, absent separator 96, a rodent can place asingle foot on the adhesive in rodent capture portion 98 and may be ableto withdraw the single foot upon realizing that the adhesive is present.In contrast, in the present embodiments, the rodent is forced to committo entering rodent capture portion 98 by climbing over separator 96,thereby increasing the likelihood that at least two of the rodent's feetwill contact the adhesive and the rodent will be captured and preventedfrom escaping. In the embodiment shown, separator 96 is disposed suchthat the width (measured in a direction extending from front 65 to back66) of entry portion 100 is less than a length (measured in a directionextending from side 63 to side 64) of entry portion 100, and may besized (e.g., with a width that is small enough) to discourage rodentswithin a certain size range from turning around in entry portion 100(and thereby from exiting apparatus 10 without entering and/or becomingtrapped in rodent capture portion 98).

In some embodiments, separator 96 includes a reflective surface. Forexample, in the planar configuration of separator 96, the side ofseparator 96 that faces entry portion 100 can be reflective (e.g., canbe covered with a reflective paint, reflective tape).

In some embodiments, separator 96 comprises a translucent material(e.g., a transparent material) to allow a rodent to partially and/orentirely see through at least part of the separator, such as, forexample, to resist a rodent's reluctance to climb over the separator.

In some embodiments, at least one of base 14 and lid 18 (e.g., base 14,in the embodiment shown) comprises at least one protrusion (e.g., twoprotrusions, three protrusions, or more) extending outwardly relative tochamber 22. For example, in the embodiment shown, base 14 comprises aplurality of protrusions 106 configured to discourage a rodent fromtraveling in at least one non-vertical (e.g., horizontal) direction awayfrom entrance opening 26 and/or entrance opening 28. In the embodimentshown, protrusions 106 are unitary with base 14 (e.g., sidewall). Inother embodiments, protrusion(s) 106 may be releasably and/or adjustablycoupled to at least one of base 14 and lid 18. In the embodiment shown,two protrusions 106 extend from each of sides 63 and 64, with oneprotrusion at or relatively near front 65 and another protrusion at orrelatively near back 66. In other embodiments, protrusion(s) 106 mayextend from any suitable portion of base 14 (e.g., any suitable positionalong sidewall 30, such as, for example, front 65). In the embodimentshown, protrusions 106 extend along substantially the entire height 34of sidewall 30. In other embodiments, protrusions 106 may extend lessthan the entire height 34 (e.g., may be vertically shorter than sidewall30) while still being configured to discourage a rodent from travelingin at least one non-vertical direction away from entrance opening 26and/or entrance opening 28. In the embodiment shown, protrusions 106 aresubstantially planar. In other embodiments, protrusion(s) 106 can haveany shape (e.g., curved, triangular, etc.) configured to discourage arodent from traveling in at least one non-vertical direction away froman entrance opening (e.g., 26 or 28). Protrusions 106 may each bedisposed at a non-parallel angle (e.g., 90, 75, 60, 45, 30, or lessdegrees) relative to the portion of sidewall 30 from which theprotrusion extends. For example, in the embodiment shown, eachprotrusion 106 is disposed at an angle of between 60 and 90 degreesrelative to the part of sidewall 30 from which it extends, and issubstantially perpendicular to floor 94 of the base.

In some embodiments, base 14 and lid 18 cooperate to define a chamber(e.g., 22) having at least one secondary opening 110 (e.g., a pluralityof secondary openings 110, as shown) sized differently (e.g., smaller,as shown) than at least one entrance opening (e.g., 26 and/or 28). Forexample, in the embodiment shown, base 14 defines secondary openings110. Secondary opening(s) 110 may also be shaped differently than atleast one entrance opening (e.g., 26, 28). In other embodiments, thesecondary openings can comprise multiple shapes (e.g., square,triangular, circular, etc.). In the embodiment shown, secondary opening110 are configured to allow pheromones to escape chamber 22 (e.g., toattract pests toward apparatus 10). For example, in the embodimentshown, apparatus 10 is shown with a container (e.g., a tube) 112configured to hold and release pheromones (and/or scented bait) toattract rodents to apparatus 10. In some embodiments, secondary opening110 may be configured to allow pests (e.g., cockroaches, scorpions,spiders) smaller than a rodent to enter apparatus 10 (e.g., into chamber22) while preventing rodents from entering the apparatus through thesecondary openings.

In some embodiments, apparatus 10 is configured to prevent liquid belowa certain level from entering chamber 22 through the at least oneentrance opening (e.g., 26 and 28) and the secondary openings (e.g.,110). For example, in the embodiment shown, the bottom or lowermostportions of each of entrance openings 26 and 28, and of secondaryopenings 110 are disposed a distance above the bottom of floor 94 (e.g.,as defined by a raised edge 114) to resist and/or prevent liquid on asurface on which the apparatus is disposed from entering through theopenings.

In this embodiment, entry portion 100 of chamber 22 is in fluidcommunication with entrance opening 26 and with entrance opening 28. Inthe embodiment shown, entry portion 100 provides an entryway for arodent entering through one of entrance openings 26, 28 to access rodentcapture portion 98. In the embodiment shown, entrance openings 26 and 28are disposed on substantially opposite sides (e.g., right side 64 andleft side 63, respectively) of apparatus 10. In this embodiment,entrance opening 26 and entrance opening 28 are configured such that anaxis 124 extends through both of openings 26 and 28 (e.g., such thataxis 124 is substantially parallel to floor 94). In other embodiments,axis 124 may extend through the entrance openings at an angle that isnot perpendicular (e.g., 75, 60, 45, or less degrees) to the respectiveplanes of openings 26 and 28. In other embodiments, entrance openings 26and 28 may be disposed at any suitable positions relative to sides 63and 64, front 65, and/or back 66.

In some embodiments, at least one of base 14 and lid 18 (e.g., base 14,in the embodiment shown) comprises at least one divider disposed inentry portion 120. For example, in the embodiment shown, base 14includes a divider 126 that is configured to prevent a rodent fromentering apparatus 10 through one entrance opening (e.g., 26) andexiting apparatus 10 through another entrance opening (e.g., 28) withoutfirst passing through rodent capture portion 98. In the embodimentshown, divider 126 is further configured to prevent a rodent outsideapparatus 10 from seeing one entrance opening (e.g., 28) through theother entrance opening (e.g., 26). In the embodiment shown, divider 126is further configured to encourage rodents (e.g., in entry portion 100)to enter rodent capture portion 98. In some embodiments, divider 126extends inward from and/or is coupled (e.g., releasably, detachably,etc.) to sidewall 30. For example, in the embodiment shown, divider 126is unitary with sidewall 30. In the embodiment shown, divider 126 isdisposed substantially midway between entrance opening 26 and entranceopening 28. In other embodiments, divider 126 may be disposed closer toone entrance opening than another entrance opening. In the embodimentshown, divider 126 has a first end 130 and a second end 134 disposedcloser to rodent capture 100 portion than first end 130. In theembodiment shown, first end 130 is wider than second end 134. In theembodiment shown, divider 126 is symmetric about an axis 136 such thatdivider 126 appears substantially similar whether viewed throughentrance opening 26 or entrance opening 28. In the embodiments, secondend 134 of divider 126 is a greater distance from the center of entranceopening 26 than at least a portion of first end 130. In someembodiments, first end 130 and second end 134 are substantially the samedistance from the center of entrance opening 26. In the embodimentshown, an upper portion of divider 126 includes a recess 138 configuredto receive container 112 with and/or directly receive pheromones and/or(e.g., scented) bait configured to attract rodents.

FIG. 10 depicts apparatus 10 a having a base 14, a lid 18, and analternate embodiment of the present separators. In this embodiment,apparatus 10 a comprises two separators: a lower wire 96 c and an upperwire 96 d. Together, wires or separators 96 c and 96 d functionsimilarly to separator 96, with lower wire 96 c positioned similarly tolower edge 96 a of separator 96, and with upper wire 96 d positionedsimilarly to upper edge 96 b of separator 96.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-15, FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of athird embodiment 10 b of the present pest-management apparatuses; FIG.12 depicts a cutaway perspective view of a base 14 of apparatus 10 b(with lid 18 omitted); FIG. 13 depicts a cutaway perspective view of alid 18 a of apparatus 10 b (with base 14 and separator 96 omitted); FIG.14 depicts a cutaway side view of lid 18 a (with base 14 and separator96 omitted); and FIG. 15 depicts a cutaway cross-sectional view ofapparatus 10 b taken along the line 15-15 of FIG. 11 (with housing 208omitted). Apparatus 10 b is substantially similar to apparatus 10 a withthe primary exception that apparatus 10 b comprises a sensor 200configured to detect the presence of a rodent climbing over separator96. The following description of sensor 200, below, is provided by wayof example, as embodiments of the present pest-management apparatusescan comprise any suitable sensor (e.g., optical sensors, such as, forexample, laser, infrared, an/or the like sensors, contact sensors, suchas, for example, pressure sensitive switches, pressure sensors, and/orthe like, proximity sensors, such as, for example, capacitance sensors,magnetic sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and/or the like).

In the depicted embodiment, sensor 200 comprises a capacitance sensor(e.g., is configured to detect the presence of a rodent by measuringchanges in an electric field caused by the presence of the rodent).Generally speaking, in these and similar embodiments, one or moreelectrodes (described in more detail below) may be used to generate anelectric field. Objects (e.g., rodents) interacting with the electricfield may cause disturbances of the electric field, which may bedetected to indicate the presence of the object. Such capacitive sensorsmay be self-capacitive (e.g., in which a capacitive load on one or moreelectrodes changes due to the presence of the object), ormutual-capacitive (e.g., in which a capacitance between two or moreelectrodes changes due to the presence of an object).

More specifically, in this embodiment, sensor 200 includes a controlmodule 204 (e.g., configured to generate an electric field and/ormonitor for disturbances in the generated electric field). In theembodiment shown, control module 204 comprises a housing 208 which, insome embodiments, may protect certain components of sensor 200 and/orcontrol module 204 from an external environment. In this embodiment,control module 204 and/or sensor 200 is battery powered (e.g., by one ormore batteries, which may be disposed within housing 208); however, inother embodiments, control module 204 and/or sensor 200 may be poweredby an external (e.g., to apparatus 10 b) power source. In the depictedembodiment, control module 204 comprises a switch 212 configured toselectively activate or deactivate control module 204 and/or sensor 200(e.g., to preserve battery life).

In the embodiment shown, sensor 200 is configured to detect a rodentclimbing over one or more separators 96. For example, in thisembodiment, apparatus 10 b comprises an electrically-conductive member216 configured to be disposed at or above at least a portion of (e.g.,an upper edge 96 b of, as shown) the one or more separators (e.g., whenlid 18 is closed against base 14) (e.g., whether theelectrically-conductive member 216 is coupled to lid 18, as shown, or iscoupled to base 14). As shown in FIG. 12 (with lid 18 cutaway butelectrically conductive member 216 remaining), electrically conductivemember can be configured to extend over a majority of the upper edge ofseparator 96. In this way, electrically-conductive member 216 is locatedsuch that a rodent climbing over one or more separators 96 contacts orpasses above the electrically-conductive member between the electricallyconductive member and lid 18 (e.g., to enhance the sensitivity of thesensor to disturbances in an electric field caused by the presence ofthe rodent), but such that the electrically-conductive member does notsubstantially hinder the ability of the rodent to climb over the one ormore separators. In other embodiments, electrically-conductive member216 may be unitary with one or more separators (e.g., 96) and/or one ormore separators (e.g., 96) may comprise an electrically-conductivematerial (e.g., such that one or more separators 96 perform a same orsubstantially similar function to electrically-conductive member 216such that electrically-conductive member 216 may be omitted).

In some embodiments, electrically-conductive member 216 may beconfigured and/or located to mitigate false rodent detections. Forexample, in this embodiment, electrically-conductive member 216 isconfigured such that when lid 18 and base 14 are coupled together todefine chamber 22, electrically-conductive member 216 (and at least aportion of the separator) is spaced above floor 94 of the chamber topermit certain pests (e.g., insects) to crawl under theelectrically-conductive member (e.g., and under lower edge 96 a) andthereby minimize the likelihood of such pests being detected by sensor200 (e.g., by minimizing any disturbance to the electric field aboveelectrically conductive member 216).

Electrically-conductive member 216, in this embodiment, may function asan electrode (e.g., as an electrode of a mutual-capacitive sensor or aself-capacitive sensor). For example, in this embodiment, sensor 200comprises a mutual-capacitive sensor. By way of illustration, in thedepicted embodiment, sensor 200 and/or controller 240 may supply anelectrical (e.g., AC) signal to a drive electrode (e.g., in thisembodiment, an electrically-conductive member disposed within housing208). Due, at least in part, to capacitive coupling a responsive signalmay be generated within electrically-conductive member (e.g., senseelectrode) 216. In these and similar embodiments, the responsive signalmay be monitored by control module 204 to detect changes in theresponsive signal (e.g., to indicate the presence of a rodent).

In other embodiments, sensor 200 may comprise a self-capacitive sensor.By way of illustration, sensor 200 and/or controller 240 may supply anelectrical (e.g., steady-state AC) signal to electrically-conductivemember 216. When an object (e.g., rodent) nears or touches theelectrically-conductive member 216, the capacitive load on theelectrically-conductive member may change. This change in capacitiveload may be monitored to detect the presence of a rodent.

In some embodiments, when sensor 200 and/or controller 204 detects thepresence of a rodent (e.g., whether or not sensor 200 is a capacitivesensor), a signal, alert, alarm, and/or the like may be transmitted(e.g., an audible signal, an electrical signal, for example, via a wiredand/or wireless communications device, and/or the like).

In some embodiments, the apparatus (e.g., sensor 200 and/or controller204) can be configured to send and/or relay signals (e.g., via awireless transceiver) indicative of detected rodents to another location(e.g., via one or more repeaters located in other stations). Example ofsystems with which the present apparatuses may be used are disclosed inU.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2014/0071276, which isincorporated by reference in its entirety.

In the embodiments shown, apparatuses 10, 10 a, 10 b (e.g., at least oneof and/or both of the base and the lid, respectively) may compriseplastic. For example, in some embodiments, the base and/or the lidcomprise a plastic selected from the group consisting of: polypropylene(PP), polystyrene (PS), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), acrylonitrilebutadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), andpolycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS), polycarbonatepolybutylene terephthalate (PBT), acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA),polyurethanes, nylon (often referred to as polyamide (PA)), combinationsthereof, and/or other plastics or polymers. In at least someembodiments, the base, the lid, and/or the separator (e.g. 96, 96 c, 96d) comprises a scented plastic (e.g., a plastic embedded with a scentthat mimics peanut butter, apple, or another scent that is selected toattract rodents. In other embodiments, the present apparatuses (e.g., atleast one of and/or both of the base and the lid, respectively) comprisea non-plastic material, such as, for example, a metal (e.g., steel,iron, aluminum, copper, brass, or the like), fiberglass, carbon fiber,synthetic materials, and other suitably durable or rigid materials.

The above specification and examples provide a complete description ofthe structure and use of exemplary embodiments. Although certainembodiments have been described above with a certain degree ofparticularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments,those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to thedisclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of thisinvention. As such, the various illustrative embodiments of the presentdevices are not intended to be limited to the particular formsdisclosed. Rather, they include all modifications and alternativesfalling within the scope of the claims, and embodiments other than theone shown may include some or all of the features of the depictedembodiment. For example, components may be combined as a unitarystructure and/or connections may be substituted. Further, whereappropriate, aspects of any of the examples described above may becombined with aspects of any of the other examples described to formfurther examples having comparable or different properties andaddressing the same or different problems. Similarly, it will beunderstood that the benefits and advantages described above may relateto one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments.

The claims are not intended to include, and should not be interpreted toinclude, means-plus- or step-plus-function limitations, unless such alimitation is explicitly recited in a given claim using the phrase(s)“means for” or “step for,” respectively.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A pest-management apparatus comprising: abase; a lid configured to be coupled to the base such that the base andthe lid cooperate to define a chamber having at least one entranceopening sized to permit a rodent to enter the apparatus; one or moreseparators configured such that, when the lid and the base are coupledtogether to define the chamber, the one or more separators prevent arodent from accessing at least a portion of the chamber except bytraversing through a gap defined between at least one of theseparator(s) and the lid or the base; and an electrically-conductivemember configured to be coupled to a capacitive sensor to detect arodent crossing the one or more separators, and where at least oneseparator of the one or more separators comprises theelectrically-conductive member.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, where theone or more separators comprise a translucent material.
 3. The apparatusof claim 2, where the one or more separators comprise a transparentmaterial.
 4. The pest-management apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising: the capacitive sensor coupled to the electrically-conductivemember and configured to detect a rodent climbing over the one or moreseparators.
 5. The pest-management apparatus of claim 1, where the oneor more separators are coupled in fixed relation to the lid, and wherethe electrically-conductive member is included in the at least oneseparator.
 6. The pest-management apparatus of claim 1, where the one ormore separators are configured such that, when the lid and base arecoupled together to define the chamber, the one or more separatorsdivide the chamber into a first portion and a second portion and enablethe rodent to travel between the first portion and the second portion bytraversing under or over the one or more separators.
 7. Thepest-management apparatus of claim 6, where the electrically-conductivemember is configured such that when the lid and the base are coupledtogether to define the chamber, the electrically-conductive member isspaced above a floor of the chamber to permit insects to crawl under theelectrically-conductive member and thereby minimize a likelihood ofinsects being detected by the capacitive sensor.
 8. The pest-managementapparatus of claim 6, where the electrically-conductive member isdisposed at or above at least a portion of the at least one separator ofthe one or more separators, and the one or more separators areconfigured to prevent a rodent from crossing the one or more separatorsexcept by climbing over at least one of the one or more separators. 9.The apparatus of claim 8, where a lower boundary of the at least oneseparator of the one or more separators is spaced from a floor of thebase.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, where at least one of the base andlid comprises a scented plastic, and where the electrically-conductivemember is coupled to and positioned at a top of the at least oneseparator.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8, where the at least a portion ofthe chamber is a rodent-capture portion configured to resist a rodent'sexit from the apparatus.
 12. The apparatus claim 11, where the apparatusfurther comprises an adhesive disposed in the rodent capture portion.13. The apparatus of claim 8, where the apparatus comprises two entranceopenings.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, where at least one of the baseand the lid comprises a divider configured to prevent a rodent fromentering the apparatus through one of the two entrance openings andexiting the apparatus through the other of the two entrance openingswithout first passing through a rodent capture portion of the chamber.15. The apparatus of claim 14, where the divider is further configuredto prevent a rodent outside the apparatus from seeing one of the twoopenings through the other of the two openings.
 16. The apparatus ofclaim 14, where the divider is configured to direct rodents toward theat least a portion of the chamber.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherethe base defines at least one secondary opening into the chamber, the atleast one second secondary opening being smaller than the at least oneentrance opening.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1, where at least one ofthe base and the lid comprises a sidewall at least partially defining anexternal perimeter of the apparatus, the sidewall configured todiscourage a rodent from climbing onto the lid of the apparatus.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 18, where the sidewall is configured to direct arodent toward the at least one entrance opening.
 20. The apparatus ofclaim 19, where at least one of the base and the lid comprises at leastone protrusion extending outwardly relative to the chamber, the at leastone protrusion configured to discourage a rodent from traveling in atleast one non-vertical direction away from the at least one entranceopening.